** What is stereolithography? Stereolithography is a precise way of producing physical objects, parts and prototype models from three-dimensional CAD data, files or drawings. It is a rapid prototyping technique which became available in the late 1980's.

** How does the stereolithography process work? This process uses an ultra-violet laser beam. It is fired into a vat of liquid photopolymer resin using data from either a 3D solid or surface modeling CAD system. Layers of the liquid resin are cured and solidified from the path of the computer-controlled laser. The part is then built up layer by layer resulting in an actual physical epoxy model.

** How accurate can SLA parts and models be? The accuracy is +/- .002 in/in typically. It is one of the more precise prototyping technologies available today. This high accuracy results in the ability to produce very fine details and features as small as .010 inches.

** Why use stereolithography? It is used to accelerate product development and design and thus save time. Form, fit and function tests can be done earlier in the design cycle and also can help to minimize costly engineering changes and errors before your product goes into production. This rapid prototyping method provides high accuracy with excellent feature resolution and surface finish. The resulting parts can be used for conceptual visualization and marketing. You can add impact to a proposal using an actual physical model before it is even manufactured. The exact physical prototype can be shown and handled by prospective customers, manufacturers, sales managers, marketing directors and designers. Also SLA masters may be used in part duplication for some other processes.

** Are stereolithography prototypes machinable? Yes, SLA parts can be milled, turned on a lathe, drilled and tapped if required.

** Can SLA parts be finished? Yes, they can be sanded, polished, primed and painted or dyed.

** Can SLA parts be made from different resin materials? Yes, there are flexible, high temperature, water resistant and standard resins. Advanced 3D Design will match the material to fit your stereolithography part requirements and application.

** How does Advanced 3D Design price SLA parts? The charge to build a SLA part is mainly determined by three factors. These are complexity, volume of material of the stereolithography part and Z-axis height.

All new customers will receive free shipping and handling when they mention this offer code SLAPROTOTYPE. 

This offer ends 2/28/2008!